Obituary of Robert L. Gilbert

Robert L. Gilbert, 94, of 25 Houston Ave. WE, passed away Monday, September 5, 2016 in his home. He was born January 5, 1922, in Albany, NY, the son of the late Robert and Mary Keeshan Gilbert. Bob was a World War II veteran of the US Army Air Corps. A Staff Sergeant, he served from 1942 to 1945 and flew 51 missions as a top turret gunner for the 38th Bombardment group of the 5th Air Force in the South Pacific, predominately New Guinea. For over 30 years he held the position of circulation manager for the Buffalo News. Bob was a longtime member of the Chautauqua Golf Club where he enjoyed golfing with friends, particularly the late Jim Riggs. They were famous for walking an entire round in two hours. He also served as a ranger at Chautauqua, known as "Ranger Bob", for 25 years. Surviving are his wife, the former Helen Zavitz, whom he married July 7, 1947; three children: Michael (Mary Sue) Gilbert of Fredonia, and Kel-Lee (Thomas) Rauch and Koree-An Gilbert, both of Atlanta, GA; a granddaughter, Meghan (Jeremiah) Gilbert-Hickey of Forest Hills, NY; and three great-grandchildren, Sarah, Delilah and Dylan Gilbert-Hickey, all of Forest Hills. Bob's wishes were fulfilled through his donation to the University of Buffalo School of Medicine's Anatomical Gift Program. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 11th in the Zion Covenant Church. The Rev. Rick Miller will officiate. The family suggests memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, N.Y. 14750.